There has never been a contested primary election in Virginia's Ninth Congressional District. The Republican and Democratic party organizations chose their nominees and the contest to represent southwestern Virginia took place in November's general elections.

But this year, two candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination and neither one considers himself a mainstream Democrat.

Some Virginia Republicans are reviving a dormant congressional caucus aimed at highlighting constitutional obligations, but Democrats accuse them of hypocrisy for failing to conduct simple oversight on the Trump administration.